Match Report – by Andrew Grant
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There is little doubt that if we had had plastic palm trees they would have been blown over and snapped. A bracing wind was a constant with some pre-match sleet and a flag pole adaptation involving the removal of the flag. These were not the conditions a mobile and fast-flowing Chiltern Team wanted for this match against bottom side Leighton Buzzard.
It was though Leighton Buzzard who flew into an early lead (3 mins), following a wee bit of alleged ‘not releasing’. A straightforward kick made even easier with a strong tail wind meant penalty success and a 3 point lead (0-3).
Chiltern though were the team finding an early rhythm as they adapted to the strong head wind. With the ball stuffed up their jumpers and some slick close passing they began making the gains. With a pack reminiscent of Peck, Niven and Quin, the guns then came out on 16 mins when No8, Dave Francis (welcomed back from injury) took the direct route cutting through in style to ensure a successful try mission under the posts. Duly converted by scrum half Max Dugdale (7 – 3). Chiltern continued to play well with the wind in their faces. They tried to mix forward play with some decent backs moves although tough going. There was no further scoring. On 39mins a LB player was naughty and received a yellow card. Half-time came and a (7 -3) lead with the wind against us was actually quite an achievement.
With the wind now on our backs and few spectator stalwarts braving the outside air we looked forward to attacking the clubhouse end. With some guts and endeavour it was actually LB who put together a series of pick and go moves to try and gain some ground. Firm tackling from Chiltern was a theme and with the introduction of Jordan Scott and Charlie Doyle from the bench ensured any breaks were nullified with strong tackling. With some tempers beginning to strain a LB player and our very own full-back Lloyd Anderson were yellow-carded ‘for doing something naughty’ apparently. Nothing specific. Chiltern though used this time to refocus and it was the mighty Charlie Doyle on 75 mins (with his very own big 4 X Extra-large white shorts) bundling over for a well-deserved try. A missed conversion followed (12 -3). Then in true Hughes tradition it was young Peter who penetrated the LB defence out wide with a catch, sprint and dive over the line to score a traditional Chiltern try. (17 – 3)

Highlights
• Alex Bower debut at stand-off – safe and secure with mature performance
• Charlie Doyles’s new huge white pants (not remotely claret)
• Doug MacGregor-Smith was on time.
• Captain Josh Finch wasn’t yellow carded
• Lloyd Anderson didn’t have to play on the wing (he will never play on the wing again - apparently)
• Jordan Scott fronting up to 14 Buzzards Zulu dawn style just before final whistle blown.

Next Week (4/12/21) – We welcome Shelford RFC to Weedon lane. Shelford will be travelling after drawing 13 – 13 with top of table Sudbury and maintaining 2nd place. I note we are forecast for there to be a gentle breeze. Should be a terrific match with all supporters very welcome.

Amersham and Chiltern RFC (1XV)
1. Louis Bailey
2. Stuart Rogers
3. Doug MacGregor-Smith
4. Kieran Booth
5. Jacques O’Driscoll
6. Joe Batt
7. Joshua Finch (C)
8. Dave Francis
9. Max Dugdale
10. Alex Bower
11. Peter Hughes
12. Dan Kingsley
13. Robert Hughes
14. Robert Hill
15. Lloyd Anderson
16. Charlie Doyle
17. Jordan Scott
18. Noah Lewis